Park ranger shoots, kills black bear

Contributed

VERNAL -- A back bear that tried to break into a ranger's cabin in a remote part of Dinosaur National Monument has been shot.

Officials announced late Monday that a park ranger shot the bear at the Gates of Lodore campground on May 27.

Park spokesman Dan Johnson says it took a week to announce the shooting because officials wanted to sort out and compile witness statements.

The bear started causing problems last summer when it nudged campers sleeping on sand bar. Officials say it was stealing food from campsites and a boat launch even as people tried to scare it away. Wildlife officials tried but couldn't trap the bear last summer.

Officials say the same bear showed up a few weeks ago, stealing food and showing no fear of people.